I'm the Beauty Director at Nordstrom—Here are the 10 Must-Have Items I'd Bring for a Sun-Drenched Getaway.

      Summer has officially arrived, and I'm fully focused on all the enjoyable activities lined up for the next three months. The options are limitless: beach outings, road trips, patio brunches! However, what I'm most looking forward to is my yearly summer vacation. This year, instead of traveling, I’m fortunate to live near the water, so I’m planning a week-long staycation, soaking up the sun (with proper sun protection, of course). This means I’ll need good products to take me from the beach and beyond. Who better to ask for product recommendations than Autumne West, Nordstrom's National Beauty Director? She expertly tests and curates the finest beauty products. I requested her to compile a selection of 10 essential items she would pack for a sunny getaway, and she came through. Keep reading to see her selections, which include a popular SPF sampler set, a versatile color stick, shimmering body oil, and more. Consider this your shopping list for summer '26.

      1. Vacation Sun Belt 4-Piece Sampler Kit

      "This is the perfect carry-on set that includes a belt bag with SPF 30 lotion, a face mist SPF 50 suitable for use over makeup, a Baby Oil SPF 30 that gives you that sought-after sun-kissed glow (safely!), and an after-sun aloe gel for post-sun relief. It includes everything you truly need, already in travel-friendly sample sizes."

      2. MAC Cosmetics Shimmer Squirt Plumping Lip Gloss Stick

      "This contains ginger root and capsicum for a plumping sensation, coconut oil for hydration, and non-grainy glitter that feels sophisticated. A single swipe will complete your vacation look with a natural glow."

      3. Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

      "My philosophy for vacation skin is that less is more. This skin tint combines makeup, skincare, and mineral SPF 40 into one dewy product. With niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and squalane, it truly benefits your skin."

      4. Ogee Sculpted Face Stick

      "One stick for bronzing, blushing, highlighting, and contouring, complete with cold-pressed jojoba oil, green coffee oil, and elderberry extract that provide real skin benefits. It blends seamlessly into the skin and can easily be packed in your beach bag."

      5. Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Drops

      "These bronzing drops are matte, buildable, never streaky, and hydrating. Just a few drops mixed with your skin tint will give you the appearance of having spent a week in the south of France."

      6. Good Weather Skin All-Over Sun Milk Face & Body SPF 50

      "This clean mineral SPF 50 works for both face and body, and the formula is truly lovely. Ingredients like squalane, sea buckthorn oil, and non-nano zinc nourish while protecting, leaving a gorgeous sheen. This is a must-have in my beach bag."

      7. True Botanicals Bronze Well Regenerative Glow

      "This Nordstrom exclusive is a personal favorite of mine. Its carotenoid-rich oils and apricot kernel do serious work for the skin while the bronzing shimmer offers a warm, golden glow that looks vibrantly healthy. It combats dullness, dryness, and fine lines, making your skin radiant. This is a product I keep on my vanity year-round, not just for vacation."

      8. Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil

      "Bergamot, cardamom, and coco de mer notes transport you to a beautiful destination. This body oil features gold and platinum leaf shimmer in a silky, jojoba-rich formula that makes your skin radiate with an inner glow."

      9. Supergoop Glow Oil SPF 50 Scented Sunscreen Body Oil

      "This body oil comprises argan oil, grapeseed oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and SPF 50 in a formula that is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. The coastal scent is exquisite. You can apply it by the pool, spritz it on after a shower, and use it everywhere for a glowing, protected finish."

      10. Byredo Bal D'Afrique Body Mist

      "I still enjoy wearing fragrance but prefer a body mist, and the new Byredo Body Mist fits perfectly. It’s refreshing and light while still embodying the beautiful scents Byredo is known for. Bal D'Afrique mist features floral notes balanced with citrus and musk to maintain its well-known spicy warmth but with a lighter touch."